Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Development of an Alternative Bitumen Rejuvenator Consisting of Waste Oils and Reacted and Activated Rubber (RAR)

After a long-term in service on pavement, bituminous material exposure to environmental conditions and traffic loads leads to inevitable aging, causing an increase in binder viscosity and making it stiffer. On the other hand, the absence of proper elimination and illegal dumping of waste oil and tire rubber can lead to serious environmental risks. This research aims to investigate the possibility of using waste engine oil (WEO) and waste cooking oil (WCO) separately combined with reactive and activated rubber (RAR) as new alternative rejuvenating agents. In this study, 5% of waste oil (WCO, WEO) and 15% of RAR were added to the aged bitumen with a penetration grade of 20/30. The virgin, aged, and rejuvenated bitumen were investigated for their physical and chemical properties using penetration, softening point, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests, as well as the effect of thermal cycles (heating and cooling) on the cracking resistance of bituminous mixtures containing regeneration bitumen using the Fénix test. The study outcome indicated that these rejuvenators could effectively soften and restore the basic properties of the aged bitumen to a normal level of 40/50. Meanwhile, the bituminous mixture with the aged bitumen rejuvenated with both oils and tire rubber (AB-WRCO and AB-WREO) showed the best cracking behavior. Therefore, these alternative solutions involve not only reusing the aged bitumen but also reusing the waste oil and tire rubber in order to attain environmental protection and economic benefits.

An Effective Robust Total Least-Squares Solution Based on “Total Residuals” for Seafloor Geodetic Control Point Positioning

Global Navigation Satellite System/Acoustic (GNSS/A) underwater positioning technology is attracting more and more attention as an important technology for building the marine Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system. The random error of the tracking point coordinate is also an important error source that affects the accuracy of GNSS/A underwater positioning. When considering its effect on the mathematical model of GNSS/A underwater positioning, the Total Least-Squares (TLS) estimator can be used to obtain the optimal position estimate of the seafloor transponder, with weak consistency and asymptotic unbiasedness. However, the tracking point coordinates and acoustic ranging observations are inevitably contaminated by outliers because of human mistakes, failure of malfunctioning instruments, and unfavorable environmental conditions. A robust alternative needs to be introduced to suppress the adverse effect of outliers. The conventional Robust TLS (RTLS) strategy is to adopt the selection weight iteration method based on each single prediction residual. Please note that the validity of robust estimation depends on a good agreement between residuals and true errors. Unlike the Least-Squares (LS) estimation, the TLS estimation is unsuitable for residual prediction. In this contribution, we propose an effective RTLS_Eqn estimator based on “total residuals” or “equation residuals” for GNSS/A underwater positioning. This proposed robust alternative holds its robustness in both observation and structure spaces. To evaluate the statistical performance of the proposed RTLS estimator for GNSS/A underwater positioning, Monte Carlo simulation experiments are performed with different depth and error configurations under the emulational marine environment. Several statistical indicators and the average iteration time are calculated for data analysis. The experimental results show that the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of the RTLS_Eqn estimator are averagely improved by 12.22% and 10.27%, compared to the existing RTLS estimation method in a shallow sea of 150 m and a deep sea of 3000 m for abnormal error situations, respectively. The proposed RTLS estimator is superior to the existing RTLS estimation method for GNSS/A underwater positioning.

Polyphenolic compounds in Sauvignon Blanc - from grapes to wine

At harvest, the metabolic composition of wine grapes reflects the accumulated effect of the environmental conditions, the stresses endured, and viticultural manipulations applied during the growing season. The role of the winemaker is to extract and nurture this “metabolite potential” throughout the winemaking process. However, it is typically difficult to relate this grape potential to that of the eventual wines. In this study, a holistic view of Sauvignon Blanc grape and wine polyphenolic compounds was attempted by measuring these compounds from different matrices, from ripe grape tissues up to the final wine, including the submatrices, such as juice, pomace and sediment. Sauvignon Blanc vines from one vineyard block were manipulated to yield berries with distinctly different phenolic potentials by creating a high light (HL) or a low light (LL) microclimate in the fruiting zone of the canopy during the growing season. The analyses of the HL and LL berries and wines, as well as concomitant analyses of the phenolic compounds in the submatrices, allowed their tracing as they were (i) transferred from one matrix to another, (ii) lost as waste products, or (iii) affected by different winemaking practices (skin contact and/or fermentation in contact with the juice sediment) implemented in the experimental design. In berries, flavonols showed the largest increase due to sun exposure (HL treatment) but were absent from the juice samples at all juice processing stages. They were however detected in the juice sediment, together with high concentrations of organic acids and sugars. Juice processing was noted for dramatic fluctuations in metabolite concentrations suggesting intense metabolic activity in this pre-fermentation matrix. Both skin contact and sediment contact treatments delivered wines with higher concentrations of coutaric acid (the ester formed from coumaric and tartaric acid) and the flavanol catechin while epicatechin concentrations was unaffected. The higher catechin concentrations did not lead to increased perceived bitterness in the wines, except in the sediment contact treatments. The total phenolic compound concentration of wine from LL (low phenolic potential) grapes was comparable to wine from HL (high phenolic potential) grapes, when skin contact, or sediment contact treatments were employed. From a sensory perspective, the sediment contact decreased the fruity aromas of Sauvignon Blanc, while the skin contact treatment enhanced the sensorial properties of the wines made from the LL grapes, allowing increased extraction from the skin-accumulated impact compounds.

The impact of phenotypic heterogeneity on fungal pathogenicity and drug resistance.

Phenotypic heterogeneity in genetically clonal populations facilitates cellular adaptation to adverse environmental conditions while enabling a return to the basal physiological state. It also plays a crucial role in pathogenicity and the acquisition of drug resistance in unicellular organisms and cancer cells, yet the exact contributing factors remain elusive. In this review, we outline the current state of understanding concerning the contribution of phenotypic heterogeneity to fungal pathogenesis and antifungal drug resistance.

Hybrid Plant Growth: Integrating Stochastic, Empirical, and Optimization Models with Machine Learning for Controlled Environment Agriculture

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) offers a viable solution for sustainable crop production, yet the optimization of the latter requires precise modeling and resource management. This study introduces a novel hybrid plant growth model integrating stochastic, empirical, and optimization approaches, using Internet of Things sensors for real-time data collection. Unlike traditional methods, the hybrid model systematically captures environmental variability, simulates plant growth dynamics, and optimizes resource inputs. The prototype growth chamber, equipped with IoT sensors for monitoring environmental parameters such as light intensity, temperature, CO2, humidity, and water intake, was primarily used to provide accurate input data for the model and specifically light intensity, water intake and nutrient intake. While experimental tests on lettuce were conducted to validate initial environmental conditions, this study was focused on simulation-based analysis. Specific tests simulated plant responses to varying levels of light, water, and nutrients, enabling the validation of the proposed hybrid model. We varied light durations between 6 and 14 h/day, watering levels between 5 and 10 L/day, and nutrient concentrations between 3 and 11 g/day. Additional simulations modeled different sowing intervals to capture internal plant variability. The results demonstrated that the optimal growth conditions were 14 h/day of light, 9 L/day of water, and 5 g/day of nutrients; maximized plant biomass (200 g), leaf area (800 cm2), and height (90 cm). Key novel metrics developed in this study, the Growth Efficiency Ratio (GER) and Plant Growth Index (PGI), provided solid tools for evaluating plant performance and resource efficiency. Simulations showed that GER peaked at 0.6 for approximately 200 units of combined inputs, beyond which diminishing returns were observed. PGI increased to 0.8 to day 20 and saturated to 1 by day 30. The role of IoT sensors was critical in enhancing model accuracy and replicability by supplying real-time data on environmental variability. The hybrid model’s adaptability in the future may offer scalability to diverse crop types and environmental settings, establishing a foundation for its integration into decision-support systems for large-scale indoor farming.

Production of High-Quality Seeds in Eryngium foetidum: Optimizing Post-Harvest Resting Conditions for Sustainable Unconventional Food Systems

Eryngium foetidum is a promising crop for diversifying agriculture and supporting sustainable development through nutrient-rich unconventional foods. However, limited knowledge about its seed viability and post-harvest management hinders its commercial scalability. This study explored the effects of post-harvest resting treatments on seed quality and vigor, assessing seeds from whole plants, aerial parts, floral spikes, and umbels after 7 and 14 days of resting. Key metrics included seed yield, purity, moisture content, germination, and vigor were assessed. Results showed that seeds retained on whole plants achieved the highest physical purity (72.2%). Seeds that rested for 7 days exhibited higher germination rates (59%), faster germination (mean germination time of 17 days), and improved seedling establishment (70% emergence) compared to seeds that rested for longer durations. These outcomes highlight the importance of specific post-harvest conditions for optimizing assimilate redistribution enhancing seed quality and seedling performance. This research bridges a critical gap in post-harvest management knowledge for E. foetidum, offering practical insights to improve cultivation practices and promote its adoption as a strategic crop. The findings align with global efforts to advance sustainable and innovative agroecosystems. Further studies under diverse environmental conditions and harvest times are recommended to validate these results and support large-scale implementation.

A new model for radiocarbon dating of marine shells from the Netherlands

Abstract A new model for the interpretation of radiocarbon (14C) dates of Holocene marine shells is presented. For the Netherlands, the size of reservoir effect is difficult to assess, as these shells often lived in an environment of mixed marine- and river waters. Both stable isotopes 13C and 18O of the shell carbonate give insight in the environmental conditions the shells lived in. River water occurs in two main categories, distinguished by 18O: the Rhine which is dominant, and other rivers. This leads to two estuary mixing lines between the North Sea and rivers. The stable isotopes of the shell carbonate are also indicative for additional processes, such as uptake of secondary carbonate from the soil by shells, and exchange of C isotopes between atmosphere and water. Extensions of the main model deal with special cases such as pools of stagnant water and lakes. The model leads to an assessment of the recent 14C activities of the system the shells lived in, called 14aSYS. The measured 14C activities relative to these 14aSYS values determine the 14C age of the shells and include the reservoir effect. This way we circumvent normalizing to δ13C = –25‰, i.e. the terrestrial timescale and the subsequent correction for reservoir effects. The model is applied to a large legacy dataset of marine shells from the Netherlands, obtained during the last 7 decades. It contains 1116 14C dated shells; for the majority of these, the 3 isotopes 13C, 14C and 18O are measured.

Comparative Analysis of Ecological Restoration Methods Applied to Rehabilitate Mining Sites: A Case Study of the Fushun and Pingshuo Mining Sites in China Using Remote Sensing Techniques Between 2000 and 2024

This study presents a comparative analysis of ecological restoration methods employed to rehabilitate mining sites, focusing on the Fushun and Pingshuo mining areas in China. Given the significant environmental degradation which has resulted from the mining activities. Effective restoration strategies are essential for enhancing biodiversity and ecological integrity. This research evaluates changes in vegetation cover and environmental health at both sites while employing metrics such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land cover classification utilizing remote sensing techniques. This study addresses three primary objectives which are: assessing vegetation recovery post-restoration, analyzing soil and water quality improvements, and comparing the effectiveness of various restoration methods. Preliminary findings indicate that while both sites have achieved notable vegetation recovery, differences in restoration techniques, regulatory frameworks, and environmental conditions influence outcomes. This research takes into account the important role of remote sensing in monitoring restoration success and informs best practices for future ecological restoration initiatives in mining-affected regions.

Indication of the sensitivity of Pinaceae species growing in Eastern Central Europe to ground-level ozone pollution.

This study focused on testing the response of the assimilation apparatus of evergreen Pinaceae species to increasing levels of oxidative stress simulated in manipulative experiments. Needles were collected from mature individuals of Pinus mugo, Pinus cembra, Pinus sylvestris, Abies alba, and Picea abies at the foothill (FH) and alpine treeline ecotone (ATE) in the High Tatras (Western Carpathians). The injury index (INX), quantified by the modified electrolyte leakage (EL) method, indicated severe needle damage due to exposure to extremely high levels of O3. Ozonation induced changes in the chemical composition of the needles, which were detected via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The oxidative stability (OxS) indicator derived from INXs was used to determine the stomatal O3 flux-based critical level CL(OxS), with the threshold value of OxS at -0.05, corresponding to 5% injury to the needles. Assessment of the phytotoxic ozone dose (POD0) under ambient O3 and field environmental conditions during the 2023 growing season via CL(OxS) revealed that the studied species utilised between 18% (Abies alba FH) and 33% (Pinus mugo ATE) of their O3 tolerance potential. These results support our hypothesis that Pinaceae species growing in the High Tatras, which are part of the Alpine biogeographical region of Eastern Central Europe, are vulnerable to O3 concentrations significantly higher than the typical ambient O3 level in the natural environment.

Comparative effects of Serendipita indica and a mix of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, photosynthetic capacity, and proteomics of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi.

Both, Serendipita indica and AMF, show promise as sustainable biofertilizers for reforestation, improving nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, despite contrasting effects on photosynthetic capacity and biomass allocation. Reclaiming degraded areas is essential for biodiversity conservation and enhancing ecosystem services enhancement, especially when using native species. This study investigated Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, a native Brazilian species, and its compatibility with plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), including an endophytic fungus (Serendipita indica) and a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to identify effective strategies for reforestation in nutrient-poor environments. We observed growth stimulation by both PGPMs; however, S. indica primarily enhanced root weight, whereas AMF improved shoot weight. S. indica's positive effects on root systems could be attributed to increased auxin levels and altered root architecture, which are critical for seedling establishment in reforestation programs. In terms of nutritional status, both treatments increased the content of most nutrients, with higher micronutrient contents in the shoots and higher macronutrient content in roots of inoculated plants. Despite AMF's role in enhancing photosynthesis, plants inoculated with these fungi showed reduced photosynthetic capacity traits, possibly due to lower leaf nitrogen content. The proteomic analysis of Schinus terebinthifolius leaf extracts revealed that, despite the upregulation of several proteins associated with the photosynthetic apparatus in response to S. indica treatment, no enhancement in photosynthetic capacity was observed. We also found several proteins related to oxidative stress in plants inoculated with both fungi, indicating a greater tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. These findings underscore the potential of both, S. indica and AMF, as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers in reforestation efforts, enhancing seedling quality and survival in nutrient-poor soils.

Role of single and mixed culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia ficaria in utilization of petroleum wastes of Dora- refineries.

The ability of single and mixed bacterial culture to utilize Dora-refineries petroleum wastes was compared. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia ficaria mixed culture consumed the wastes better than the single bacterial cultures. The highest log. number of viable cells in mixed culture was 6.842 , while in single bacterial cultures it was 6.683 and 5.631, respectively. after 3 days in API medium containing the refinery wastes. The effect of some environmental conditions on the degradation of petroleum wastes was studied included aeration , NaCl concentration , pH and temperature. The growth of bacteria in the agitated culture was higher than stagnant culture the log. of cell no. was 6.021 in the first culture. The highest log. of cell no. stagnant culture was 5.771. Pseudomonas aeruginosa AA22 and Serratia ficaria AA39 were able to grow in medium containing 5 , 7 % NaCl , they favorite pH 7. The mixed culture of the two bacteria grew well of 45 oC.

Underwater Target Detection with High Accuracy and Speed Based on YOLOv10

Underwater target detection exhibits extensive applications in marine target exploration and marine environmental monitoring. However, conventional images of underwater targets present challenges including blurred contour information, complex environmental conditions, and pronounced scattering effects. In this work, an underwater target detection method based on YOLOv10 is designed, and the detection performance is compared with the YOLOv5 model. Experimental results demonstrate that the YOLOv10 model has a mAP50 of 85.6% on the URPC 2020 dataset, improving the mAP50 by 1.2% than that of YOLOv5. This model exhibits high detection accuracy and high proceeding speed, which provides a promising support for precise and fast underwater target detection.

Productivity of coniferous forests evaluated by remote sensing and field-based models

Abstract The inadequacy of Norway spruce (NS) monocultures in fulfilling ecosystem services, due to deteriorating health and consequent forest ecosystem collapses, has recently become a concerning issue for the forestry sector in Central Europe. This study investigates spruce forest productivity using in-situ field observations (DendroNetwork) and satellite remote sensing (RS) data in the Czech Republic during the past two decades. Tree growth index and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer net primary productivity were used to assess productivity at the national scale along an elevation gradient. The analyses of spatiotemporal variation in carbon dynamics indicate a decreasing trend in productivity in 51% and 80% (2800 km2 and 4200 km2) of the spruce stands from the RS and in-situ data, respectively. The increasing trend is particularly evident in montane regions, where satellite data identified an elevation threshold around 900 m a.s.l. while in-situ data 700 m a.s.l. In these energy-limited montane areas, NS may benefit from increased temperatures and may remain relatively safe from drought stress. The decreasing trends detected by both approaches indicate deteriorating conditions for NS in lower elevations. This study suggests that combining in-situ and RS data provides an efficient and robust way to estimate forest productivity at the national scale. The anticipated response of spruce forests associated with declines in productivity and growth in areas with low to moderate elevation points to the adverse effects of climate change by shifting the ecological optimum to higher elevations. We conclude that detailed mapping of forest response to changing environmental conditions is critical to support sustainable forest management and decision-making, ultimately reflecting the need to adopt adequate strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and related natural and anthropogenic disturbances.

Experimental and Theoretical Study of Delivering Metformin Anti‐Lung Cancer Drug With Aluminum Nitride Nanoparticles

ABSTRACTAluminum nitride (ALN) finds extensive application across various fields, and further advancement is undergoing to explore efficiency of this compound in drug delivery. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to nano‐based drug delivery systems for anticancer treatments. This study focuses on the preparation of ALN nanoparticle using a simple and cost‐effective route in an NH3 atmosphere and in the presence of hydrated aluminum chloride. The characterization techniques such as FT‐IR, TEM, SEM, UV, XRD, XPS, and EDS are used to analyze the synthesized nanoparticles. Then, metformin is incorporated into the fabricated nanostructure to achieve a drug loading of ~67%, demonstrating effectiveness of the selected nanocarrier for encapsulating this important drug. The specific impact of pH and time duration on the release profile of metformin highlights the versatility and potential applicability of ALN delivery system. Moreover, the gradual release of drug under physiological conditions (pH 7.4) as well as the accelerated release at the lower pH of 5.1 within 48 h proofed the responsiveness of the nanostructure to varying environmental conditions. Finally, a density functional theory (DFT) calculation was carried out to investigate adsorption of metformin. These computational analyses validated again the potential of ALN as an effective sensor for detecting metformin in biological systems. The unique characteristics of this study involve introducing a pH‐responsive nanocarrier to release drug selectively in response to pH of the environment, using a nanoparticle with sufficient stability that improves solubility of poorly soluble metformin. This bioavailable drug delivery system can reduce off‐target effects and toxicity associated with conventional drug therapies.

Body Condition and Blood Biochemistry of Free-Range Caiman latirostris in Northeast Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Atlantic Forest broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) inhabits regions within one of the world's most ecologically diverse ecosystems, yet few studies have explored the relationship between body condition, blood biochemistry, and environmental factors in the wild. Our study investigated the effects of sex, ontogeny, habitat, and environmental variables on the body condition and blood biochemistry of free-ranging caimans from the state of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil. From 2020 to 2022, we captured 75 caimans across three sites in different seasons. Results revealed sex-specific responses to seasonal and Interannual weather changes, with females showing higher body condition in the wet season, while males peaked in the dry season. Elevated glucose, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, and fructosamine were linked to higher body condition and larger individuals, while elevated aspartate aminotransferase to low body condition. Seasonal rainfall influenced blood parameters, with the dry season associated with higher creatinine, calcium, and alanine aminotransferase levels, and the wet season with higher total protein, sodium, and potassium. Differences in glucose, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase across sites pointed to physiological effects of human activities. Blood biochemical values varied widely, with some exceeding reported species ranges. These findings highlight the need to interpret physiological data within the context of local habitat and environmental conditions. Conservation strategies should go beyond species presence and habitat preservation, incorporating pollution control. Our study advances understanding of Caiman latirostris ecophysiology, offering valuable insights for the conservation and management of crocodilian populations in both wild and captive environments.

Assembly Processes Underlying Biotic Homogenization of Soil Microbial Communities in an Urban Ecosystem

ABSTRACTUrbanization is known to cause biotic homogenization, but the processes controlling biotic homogenization are not well understood. Here, we analyzed microbial communities from 258 soil samples covering the large landscape heterogeneity of the entire Shanghai megacity. We measured the urbanization intensity by incorporating habitat fragmentation, connectivity, and distance to the city center. We determined the extent to which bacterial and fungal community composition varied with urbanization intensity and how different assembly processes contributed to the variations. We found significantly positive effects of urbanization on the compositional homogenization of bacteria and fungi, and the proportions of generalists and specialists were significantly related to homogenization. Dispersal and ecological drift explained at least 60% of bacterial and fungal compositional variations, with increased influences of dispersal and ecological drift reducing the specialists. Environmental variables explained < 28% of compositional variations, and higher urbanization intensity led to a simplified co‐occurrence network and an increased proportion of generalists in the network. These results indicate that dispersal and ecological drift homogenized soil microbial communities in the city by shifting the proportions of generalist and specialist microbes, with weak effects from environmental selection. Therefore, to conserve urban biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the face of complex human impacts, management strategies should consider not only environmental conditions but also influences of dispersal and drift, as well as species habitat preferences, to increase the effectiveness of management actions.

Geometric Design and Safety Outcomes of Roundabouts in the Canadian Context: A Case Study in the Region of Waterloo

Road safety remains a critical concern in Canada and worldwide. In response, roundabouts have emerged as a safer intersection design under certain road, traffic and environmental conditions, with extensive research highlighting the critical role of geometric design in their safety effect. However, such geometric effects remain relatively unexplored in Canada, where roundabouts are a recent addition. Moreover, it is unknown whether the underlying relationship varies over time due to the evolution in driver behaviour. This study attempts to address these questions by utilizing data from the Region of Waterloo and constructing negative binomial models. Results indicate that geometric design significantly impacts collision frequency, with effects generally consistent but showing some temporal variability. The study also highlights unique relationships between geometries and safety in Canada, advocating for tailored roundabout designs and cautioning against direct application of findings from other regions.

Materials Design and Structural Health Monitoring of Horizontal Axis Offshore Wind Turbines: A State-of-the-Art Review

In recent decades, Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs) have become crucial to the clean energy transition, yet they face significant safety challenges due to harsh marine conditions. Key issues include blade damage, material corrosion, and structural degradation, necessitating advanced materials and real-time monitoring systems for enhanced reliability. Carbon fiber has emerged as a preferred material for turbine blades due to its strength-to-weight ratio, although its high cost remains a barrier. Structural Health Monitoring Systems (SHMS) play a vital role in detecting potential faults through real-time data on structural responses and environmental conditions. Effective monitoring approaches include vibration analysis and acoustic emission detection, which facilitate early identification of anomalies. Additionally, robust data transmission technologies are essential for SHMS effectiveness. This paper reviews material design strategies, data acquisition methods, and safety assessment techniques for OWTs, addressing current challenges and future directions in the field.

Tree-volume and forest age increase bat species diversity in boreal urban landscape

ContextGiven the rate at which humankind is changing habitats, it is essential to understand its impact on the surrounding nature and biota. The intensification of human activities and the fragmentation of forested habitats now affect many taxonomic groups, such as bats, which are largely dependent on forests (e.g. roosting sites and feeding areas). Northern Europe is generally considered very forested but intensive land-use changes, caused by urbanization and forestry, contribute to forest fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. Land-use changes are classified as the biggest threats for bats, but especially in the boreal zone, the impact of these environmental changes is not yet known at a sufficient level.ObjectivesWe explored how bats (species occurrences and activity) were influenced by forestry and urbanization, and by landscape variables (tree volume, percentage of deciduous trees, vicinity of water bodies and built areas).MethodsWe used a bioacoustic dataset on bats from Finnish capital area (20 × 20 km, 51 sites) recorded during the summer season (May – September) to evaluate how different habitat classes (old forest, young economical forest, rural area, suburban and urban) and landscape variables influence activity and species richness of bats across this region. We used Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) approach to characterize the responses of species. We investigated with two different models: one focusing on species occurrences and the second one focusing on relative activity.ResultsOur findings indicate a distinct pattern, with the highest species richness in old forests, followed by a gradual decline with increased land-use intensity. Species-specific responses to habitat classes were evident in both presence and activity. Most of the species showed negative responses to built area, either by their presence or activity. Key landscape variables further underscored species-specific variations in different environmental conditions. Additionally, our study observed temporal dynamics, revealing species-specific variations in occurrences across the bats’ active season.ConclusionOur study sheds light on the complex dynamics of bats in diverse landscapes, emphasizing the crucial role of both habitats and specific environmental factors in conservation. Old natural forests emerge as vital for bats, while land-use changes, especially urbanization, pose challenges highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and strategic conservation actions.

From barcodes to genomes: a new era of molecular exploration in bryophyte research

Bryophytes represent a diverse and species-rich group of plants, characterized by a remarkable array of morphological variations. Due to their significant ecological and economic roles worldwide, accurate identification of bryophyte taxa is crucial. However, the variability in morphological traits often complicates their proper identification and subsequent commercial utilization. DNA barcoding has emerged as a valuable tool for the precise identification of bryophyte taxa, facilitating comparisons at both interspecific and intraspecific levels. Recent research involving plastomes, mitogenomes, and transcriptomes of various bryophyte species has provided insights into molecular changes and gene expression in response to environmental stressors. Advances in molecular phylogenetics have shed light on the origin and evolutionary history of bryophytes, thereby clarifying their phylogenetic relationships. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive understanding of the systematic relationships within bryophytes is still lacking. This review synthesizes current molecular studies that have been instrumental in unraveling the complexity of bryophyte taxonomy and systematics. By highlighting key findings from recent genetic and genomic research, we underscore the importance of integrating molecular data with traditional morphological approaches. Such integration is essential for refining the classification systems of bryophytes and for understanding their adaptive strategies in various ecological niches. Future research should focus on expanding the molecular datasets across underrepresented bryophyte lineages and exploring the functional significance of genetic variations under different environmental conditions. This will not only enhance our knowledge of bryophyte evolution, but also inform conservation strategies and potential applications in biotechnology.